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Top Gear festive specials axed

The BBC has reportedly cancelled plans to make two Top Gear festive specials.

The original plan for the revamp of the motoring series, which was hosted by Chris Evans and Matt LeBlanc, was to make 18 episodes including two festive specials to be released in December 2016. However, the failure of the new series and of Evans as a host has caused officials to shelve their plans for Christmas editions.

A source told Radio Times Online: “It’s six [episodes] down, 12 to go. It is hard to imagine the show making 12 more episodes by the spring – possible, but it will be a big ask.
“There are many expensive multi-series contracts in place and there can be no slip-ups. ‘Top Gear’ can play catch-up in theory but it could impact quality.”

According to The Sun newspaper, a source said: “Matt is going to get the big job on his own. There are already active negotiations and he’s almost certain to sign now that he doesn’t have to work with Chris. Chris won’t be replaced but Matt will become the star presenter surrounded by the existing team.”